The oldest of the Danjuma brothers, Rasheed was a self-made man. He’d learned at an early age that love and commitment brought with it complications he didn’t want to deal with. His single-minded focus had paid off. He was able to step into the shoes of his absentee father by taking care of his mother and twin brothers. But just when he thought he could stop carrying the weight of his family on his shoulders, he gets a call that could change the trajectory of Rasheed’s life.

Ibiso Jaja, a professional caterer, had gambled on the love of a man and lost. Through the redeeming love of God, she had picked herself up and was now living her dream as the owner of Bisso Bites, a bistro in the heart of Abuja. However circumstances conspire to threaten the bistro and bring her face to face with the type of man she has vowed to avoid. The attraction is instant.

Once again, Rasheed is forced to do something he has done all his life – put the needs of his family ahead of his own. This time however, he crosses path with the sassy, independent, Jesus-loving caterer who is bent on making him see the power of forgiveness and God’s love. Just when Rasheed lets his guard down, a deadly sabotage causes old demons to rise. Will Rasheed continue to pursue power and success or surrender to the light of God’s love?

Unoma Nwankwor is a self- proclaimed romantic. She is passionate about telling stories that are uplifting and life changing sending the message of faith, hope and love. Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base; Atlanta Georgia and her Nigerian culture. Her stories which center on forgiveness, faith and hope have been described as a fusion of faith, romance and African spice.

Unoma is also the published author of An Unexpected Blessing (2013) , The Christmas Ultimatum(2013) and When You Let Go (May,2014).

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Unoma Nwankwor and is hosted and managed by Paulette from Write Now Literary Book Tours. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Paulette @ pharperjohnson@gmail.com

This week’s find is quite special because Michelle and I share the same publisher. Michelle is a real sweetie and has been very helpful to, so please be sure to support her latest release by ordering a copy or sharing the news.

About the Book

A condemned man, his two brides, and one untimely death.

Michael Ward is at the top of his game and he doesn’t need anyone or anything. Money is his new best friend–until he’s arrested for a heinous crime. As much as he hates to admit it, Michael needs his brother, Keith Ward, the man who stole his wife and children. Will Michael open his heart to forgive his brother?

Verona “Tiger” Stachs has been Michaels’ attorney for years. She’s in love with him, but is tired of being treated as his guinea pig. A lapsed Christian, Verona finds herself being drawn closer to God. She thought she was through with God, but soon discovers He’s nowhere through with her. Which relationship will she choose?

Keith Ward’s a prominent minister and family man, yet he yearns to rekindle his relationship with his brother. When Michael calls him explaining that he desperately needs his help, Keith jumps at the chance to set things right with Michael. Will Keith be able to lead Michael into the light?

Read an Excerpt:

Rape.

What an ugly four–letter word. The very idea was preposterous. He had been arrested for rape. Michael Ward shook his head, remembering the charges written under his mug shot. He did not have to take any woman by force. Look at him.

He was at the top of his game. He began as an architectural designer. Then he moved into real estate where he purchased, rebuilt, and resold properties. It took some time, but his name meant something in the hotel resort business. Patrons knew any building bearing the MJW sealsignified quality and topnotch service, for a price, of course. He had two MJW hotels in New York City, three in Atlanta, two in London, and one in Dubai. He had spa resorts sprinkled across Florida, Texas, and Chicago, all with the MJW stamp of approval.

Now, after all his hard work to build his empire, Michael could not imagine a nineteen–year– old bringing him to his knees.

Last week, he had been cracking open a bottle of champagne, celebrating his newest property acquisition in Colorado. This week, he was squatting in the corner of a four-foot cell, waiting on Verona “Tiger” Stachs to post his bail and negotiate the terms of his release.

How had he gotten here?

He had been booked on multiple sex and assault charges and had almost lost his cool at his arraignment. The fact that it was September 11 was not lost on him either.

Someone had set him up, and once he was out of here, he intended to find that person and make him pay.

Michelle Lindo-Rice is the bestselling author of Color Blind. She enjoys crafting women’s fiction with themes centered around the four “F” words: Faith, Friendship, Family and Forgiveness. She was nominated for Author of the Year 2014 in Building Relationships Around Books book club. Michelle’s first published work, Sing A New Song, was a Black Expressions Editor’s Choice featured selection. My Steps Are Ordered, the second book in the “On the Right Path” series made the AALBC bestseller lists on May/June 2014 and August/September 2014. My Steps Are Ordered was also#1 in UBAWA’s 2014 Top 100 list.

Originally from Jamaica West Indies, Michelle Lindo-Rice calls herself a lifelong learner. She has earned degrees from New York University, SUNY at Stony Brook,Teachers College Columbia University and Argosy University, A pastor’s kid, Michelle upholds the faith, preaching, teaching and ministering through praise and worship.

This week our #FridayFind comes from my soulsis, Unoma Nwankwor. If you regularly follow The Neophyte Author then you ought to recognize her name. I absolutely love this woman, her passion for God, and the way that she infuses her Nigerian culture into her writing. It is my pleasure to present you with a sneak peek of her latest novel (this bad boy is so new it hasn’t been released yet), A Scoop of Love, which drops next, but I want you to pre-order this book. Take a moment and check it out.

Synopsis:

The oldest of the Danjuma brothers, Rasheed was a self-made man. He’d learned at an early age that love and commitment brought with it complications he didn’t want to deal with. His single-minded focus had paid off. He was able to step into the shoes of his absentee father by taking care of his mother and twin brothers. But just when he thought he could stop carrying the weight of his family on his shoulders, he gets a call that could change the trajectory of Rasheed’s life.

Ibiso Jaja, a professional caterer, had gambled on the love of a man and lost. Through the redeeming love of God, she had picked herself up and was now living her dream as the owner of Bisso Bites, a bistro in the heart of Abuja. However circumstances conspire to threaten the bistro and bring her face to face with the type of man she has vowed to avoid. The attraction is instant.

Once again, Rasheed is forced to do something he has done all his life – put the needs of his family ahead of his own. This time however, he crosses path with the sassy, independent, Jesus-loving caterer who is bent on making him see the power of forgiveness and God’s love. Just when Rasheed lets his guard down, a deadly sabotage causes old demons to rise. Will Rasheed continue to pursue power and success or surrender to the light of God’s love?

Excerpt:

Rasheed are meeting Ibiso for the second time after a disastrous first meeting. The venue: a point and kill fish market. For my non Nigerian readers, it’s a place where the customer can point to the fish they want killed and packaged. Normally used to cook peppersoup. He is there for his mom, she is there for a client. Then this happens: They point to the same fish…Enjoy the snippet.

BuyLink:

Genre:

Christian Fiction Romance

Why I write:

I love sharing my faith, reading and watching great romances, then add what makes me, me…my Naijaness( a play on Nigerian) and you have books that are a fusion of faith, romance and African Spice. This is me, there is simply no way I could write anything else. Also, I love happy endings 🙂

After finding the biological mother who abandoned her as a baby, learning the identity of her birth father and her biological brother, Dupree is left distraught and betrayed. Like a volcano about to erupt, she vows to have nothing to do with her newly discovered family–so help her God! However, if Dupree’s mother, Tiny, has anything to say about it, Dupree won’t be able to keep that vow.

How does a former teenaged runaway become a wealthy, sophisticated business executive? Tiny’s quest for happiness and independence in Kingston, Jamaica, has taken her on a life-altering journey through hell. After a vicious attack and a serious sickness that leaves her fighting for her life in the hospital, Tiny prays for death . . . but then God speaks. Will she listen to His voice? What exactly is He saying?

Mama Pearl tiptoed slowly toward the old cars, her steps hesitant but determined. The first few cars she looked into were empty. She continued toward the back when a bad odor filled her nose. With her face twisted up, Mama Pearl took deep breaths as she continued walking.

A scream lodged in her throat as she approached the last car. “Oh, dear Lord,” Mama Pearl whispered in shock. Two pieces of sticks, resembling legs, were hanging out the opened back door. Her heart slamming against her chest, Mama Pearl walked closer and saw the scrawny, young girl shaking uncontrollably in the backseat. She smelled like rotten garbage. Tears filled Mama Pearl’s eyes.

Mama Pearl quickly rested the box in her hand on top of the car and leaned inside to look at the young girl. Suddenly, two pair of red, haunted eyes stared up at her, piercing her soul.

“Help me,” the weak voice begged a little above a whisper.

Mama Pearl gasped loudly and pulled her head out of the car. She cushioned her weak body against the car as her jelly feet felt as if they were about to crumble. “Lord, dear Lord,” Mama Pearl muttered. “Dear Lord, dear Lord.”

Mama Pearl was not a stranger to the homeless people scattered all over Kingston. She was a long-standing viewer of the poverty that hit so many Jamaicans and only seemed to get worse, day by day.

Her heart bled as she turned and stared at the sick child again. She looked as if she was a minute away from death’s door.

Tiny rambled some gibberish and moaned in agony as sharp needles pricked her all over her ice-cold body. Her teeth chattered, and her eyes rolled around listlessly in her head.

About The Author

Theresa A. Campbell is the author of the captivating novels, “Are You There, God?” and “God Has Spoken.” She was born and raised in Jamaica West Indies. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baruch College, and a master’s degree in business administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Theresa has had a deep passion for reading since she was a child. It is her desire to inspire readers by writing stories from the heart to uplift their faith in God.

Author is giving away Two (2) autograph copies of God Has Spoken and One (1) $25.00 Amazon Gift Card. Three winners will be randomly chosen.
How to enter: Please enter using the rafflecopter widget below.

Before he lost both his limbs, Jasper Orion was on his way to being voted Most Valuable Player in the National Football League. A man of faith, his faith in God remains unshaken and he starts his own business. With God’s leading Jasper decides to hire Charmaine Evans, the woman responsible for his demise. But, unexpectedly, Jasper develops feelings for his newest employee. He longs to hold her in his arms. Wheelchair bound, will Jasper’s love for Charmaine motivate him to walk again?

A backslidden Christian, Charmaine Evans’ ambitions left her broke, unemployed and a social pariah. Guilt-ridden, she returned home to Port Charlotte, FL to lick her wounds. To Charmaine’s surprise, Jasper not only offers her forgiveness but also a job when no one else would. Charmaine marvels at Jasper’s faith while grappling with her own. Bound by her past, will Charmaine learn to accept God’s plan for her heart and her life?

Michelle Lindo-Rice enjoys crafting women’s fiction with themes centered around the four “F” words: Faith, Friendship, Family and Forgiveness. Her first published work, Sing A New Song, was a Black Expressions featured selection. Originally from Jamaica West Indies, Michelle Lindo-Rice calls herself a lifelong learner.

She has earned degrees from New York University, SUNY at Stony Brook, and Teachers College, Columbia University. When she moved to Florida, she enrolled in Argosy University where she completed her Education Specialist degree in Education Leadership. A pastor’s kid, Michelle upholds the faith, preaching, teaching and ministering through praise and worship. Feel free to connect with her at michellelindorice.com

You can read her testimony, learn about her books, PLEASE join her mailing list, or read a sample chapter at michellelindorice.com

If you’ve been following the Neophyte Author then you know that this summer I began working on a novella, Tempted to Touch. During this summer I went through some struggles and battles withpoint of view, but I finally got that together. With the point of view established and a great title in place this weekend I knocked out the cover. With the help of my #soulsis,Unoma Nwankor and my go to cover girl,Myriam Skye-Holly, the cover of Tempted to Touch is ready and I have an excerpt for you.

Excerpt from Tempted to Touch ***Unedited***

“Is that?” Onyjie gasped after flipping my laptop open as I tried to press it closed when she entered my office.

“Yes, that’s Quincy and this is not what it looks like,” I said pointing to the screen. The mint green lacquer on her nails gleaned in my eye making it difficult for me to formulate a good lie.

“I hope not,” Onyjie wagged her head and folded her arms across her chest. “It looks to me like you’re cyber stalking him.”

My head shook rapidly from side to side. There was no real way for me to make an innocent afternoon of research appear innocent. “No, I bumped into him the other day…He gave me his card.” This would be a great moment for a genie to pop out and shazaam the card would appear in my hand while Onyjie tapped the toe of her metallic silver booties on the floor waiting to find the hole in my story. I really don’t know why she went into accounting after college. She has the entire detective thing down pact right down to the cold stare and twisted mouth.

“He’s in the industry now.”

“What industry? The how to get a divorce in 90 days industry?” She asked pointing at Quincy’s almond colored face.

“No, the music industry,” I said laughing a bit trying to disguise my guilt. I had not so much as called him and Onyjie already had me feeling like I was committing adultery.

“Girl, please, he’s been in the music industry since you met him like ten years ago. It turned out that all he did was hand out flyers for Diddy.” Onyjie hiked up her black and white grapic print a-line skirt and parked a quarter of her thigh on my desk.

“Make yourself at home,” I offered sliding the laptop out of the way. “All that street team stuff is in the past. Now he’s the boss. He runs Down Low Records.”

Onyjie shrugged her shoulders and shook her pepper colored pin curls, “Never heard of it. If and I stress the word if this is a legitimate recording company what do you think is going to happen—you cut a demo and then you’re going to blow up.”

I lowered my head and focused my eyes on a nick in my new desk to hide my smile. Was I being naïve in thinking that a chance encounter with my former lover was the key to living my dreams? Well, he wasn’t quite a lover Quincy was more like the love you-leave you-then-love you again type.

I’m a wee bit late in sharing (I’m sorry), but I went from Launch Party Mode to traveling to the National Black Book Festival (recap coming soon).

Listen, God showed up and showed out. Everyone who said they’d make didn’t, but everyone who did make it supported Born at Dawn 100%. A midst traffic delays in the sprawling city everything came together, praise the good Lord! Check out some photos and video from the event below.

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We also had some scenes from the book acted out. Here’s one clip:

Did you enjoy this clip? If you’ve read Born at Dawn please let me know what you think of Esdras’ portrayl of Marvin? If you haven’t read Born at Dawn please get your copy today.

Born at Dawn is officially in stores now. Please tell at least have people, like, repost, get yourself a copy, leave a review and be sure to enjoy.

Born at Dawn chronicles what happens to the Barclay family when their matriarch, Cynthia decides she cannot wait on God for deliverance and abandons her abusive husband, her hope, and her two young sons. To read a sample chapter click here.